127 – Prof Dennis Schatz – Science Communication Pt 1

This entry was posted on Friday, October 15th, 2010 at 23:59.

In this episode, the fourth anniversary of the Brains Matter podcast, I talk to Professor Dennis Schatz, the Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs at the Pacific Science Centre in the US. We discussed the topic of communication in science, including:

- Dennis’s background
- What are some of the issues with current science communication?
- How do you develop your skills as a science communicator?
- What really excites people about science?
- Why is science singled out for jargon?
- What makes a good communicator?
- What are some of the programmes being run by the Pacific Science Centre?

Today’s listener of the episode is Mark Wilson from New Zealand.

Download MP3 of Ep 127

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132 – Steve Mirsky – (2/2) – Science Communication Pt 6

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 at 00:22.

In Brains Matter’s continuing series on science communication, I continue my talk with Steve Mirsky, a journalist and author, editor at Scientific American, and podcast host about various aspects of science communication and the perception of science in the public.

This is part 2 of the discussion. If you haven’t listened to part 1, please go back and listen to episode 131.

Topics we discuss include:

- the impact of science communication
- where podcast listeners are located
- the increased number of science communicators
- where science communication has inspired people
- why do kids lose interest in science within schools?
- how do we influence kids to have a positive view of science?
- how does opportunity and influence affect this?
- the wonder of libraries
- Steve’s path into science
- OG’s path into science
- The impact of good teachers on interest in science
- The relationship between art and science
- How some sciences can lead into other types of science interests

Today’s listener of the episode is Bruce Wallace from Australia.

(Keep an ear out for an out-take from this episode!)

Download MP3 of Ep 132

Please vote for this podcast this month at

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

View the original article here

131 – Steve Mirsky – (1/2) – Science Communication Pt 5

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at 09:06.

In Brains Matter’s continuing series on science communication, I talk to Steve Mirsky, a journalist and author, editor at Scientific American, and podcast host about various aspects of science communication and the perception of science in the public. Topics we discuss include:

- Steve’s background
- The changing view of science by the public
- Stereotypes of scientists
- The modern take in television and movies of a scientist
- Gilligans Island
- Sports v Science
- Perceptions of the Nobel Prize
- Various strategies to get people interested in science
- The IgNobel Prizes
- The differences in science being communicated in print and through new media
- Some fun science stories
- How do we get children more interested in science at a younger age?
- What is a science story?
- The false objectivity of non-science media when they report on science stories
- A discussion on climate change as an example
- The reliance people have on science and engineering
- The funding of science compared to other areas due to a lack of political will and public apathy
- Some great science communicators

Today’s listener of the episode is Joshua Weisskopf.

This is part 1 of an interview with Steve – keep an eye out for part 2 in the next episode.
(Keep an ear out for an out-take from this episode!)

Download MP3 of Ep 131

Please vote for this podcast this month at

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes

View the original article here